What’s on your embroidery bucket list? Want to get the whole embroidery experience? Then write an embroidery bucket list. You’ll find if you write it down, you’re apt to tackle some of those easy-to-put-off complicated embroidery projects. And once you do, you’ll probably discover that they were way easier than you imagined.

I’ve compiled three embroidery bucket lists – one for newbie, intermediate and advanced skill levels. This post will feature the bucket list for newbies. Look for the bucket lists for Intermediate and Advanced skill levels in upcoming issues of Designs in Machine Embroidery!

Newbies

Select a built-in a design from your machine and stitch it on a knit fabric, cotton quilting fabric and a piece of denim. Experiment with different stabilizers until you’re satisfied with the results. You’ll see how changing the fabric can really change the design – and you’ll learn what stabilizer works best on each fabric. Write the name and type of the stabilizer on these samples and keep them for future reference.

Play with color by selecting your favorite go-to thread color and stitching the same design on several different colored fabrics. You might be surprised at the results. That pink that you always thought was so bright might actually be a bit dull on blue fabric. Look at the difference between these two shades of pink.

Get comfortable with the editing features on your machine. Experiment with rotating, duplicating and mirror imaging. Then move the design(s) all over the sewing field, filling the hoop. Use the jog keys to move the design. See how many designs you can squeeze into the frame. I did this when I created an e-reader cover.

Practice perfect placement. Draw a horizontal line on a piece of fabric. Hoop the fabric keeping the line within the sewing field but not dead center. Create a simple word like PEACE and position it on the line. Someday you’ll have to place a monogram above a pocket and this will teach you how to approach that task.

Make it a habit to use the basting file with every design you stitch. The basting file is similar to auto insurance, you don’t have to be insured to drive a car but you should have at least basic coverage. If something happens during the embroidery process, the basting file can be used to realign. See point 6.

Learn to rehoop in the middle of a design. If your machine has it, select the basting icon and add a basting outline to a design. Stitch the outline, then begin stitching the design. Interrupt the machine and yep – take the hoop off of the machine and the fabric out of the hoop. Make a note of the stitch number. Now rehoop as best you can. Here’s a tip – use the hoop marks as a starting guide. Reattach the hoop to the machine and see where the needle is positioned. Most likely, it won’t be centered exactly over the last stitch. Use the stitch advance key to go back to the basting file. Travel over the outline, stitch by stitch. The needle should be positioned over the stitched outline – travel around at least one corner to verify the fabric is square. You may need to move or rotate the design to align the design. This is good practice because someday you’ll have to do this on a real embroidery project. Once you’re satisfied the needle is aligned with the basting outline, advance to the stitch number where you interrupted the design and complete the design. Pat yourself on the back!

Create a traditional 3-letter monogram with the large last name letter flanked by two smaller letters (first and middle initials). This task will teach you the basics of monogramming, spacing and sizing of letters.

Quilt with the embroidery machine. Work in manageable sections such as blocks or strips and hoop the quilt sandwich (backing, batting and quilt top fabric). Select a quilting design and press go! You’ve mastered embroidering on multiple layers.

Lace. Who doesn’t love lace? Experiment with a variety of water soluble stabilizer – heavy, regular weight, mesh-like and film-type. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for dissolving the stabilizer.

Embroider a Tote Bag. Sometimes the easiest way to embroider a bag is to turn it inside out, hoop the design area and then ‘open’ the bag to reveal the design area. This keeps the bulk of the bag on top of the hoop and you can keep an eye on the straps to avoid stitching on one. I actually placed this large tote bag over the machine head to keep everything away from the needle except for the design area. Magna-Hoop was a big help for this task.

This week’s assignment:

After reading the Bucket List for Newbies how many of the 10 items have you accomplished? Which of the items will you try right away? Post your comment for a chance to win a $25 shopping spree for use on the Designs in Machine Embroidery website.

The TWO winners of last week’s assignment answered the question:

I’d love to know how many of you have tackled continuous embroidery designs. Just tell me if you have (or haven’t).

TWO random individuals will be selected to win a $60 gift certificate to the Applique for Kids website! What a great way to build up your library of embroidery designs!

Winner 1: Royce Zook“Yes I have, several times. All worked out well and I was pleased with the result.”

Related posts:

Share this:

Related

137 Comments on What’s on Your Bucket List?

CE

July 5, 2012 at 2:49 pm (6 years ago)

I am so new to embroidery, and have tons to learn – however very early on I’ve learned the importance of using the proper stabilizer for the job. So many ones to choose from! I had a recommendation to buy sample packs, and I was amazed when I received one and saw how many kinds there were! I am going to embroider a quilt label, and now I know enough to think “OK, that has some free standing embroidery, so definitely want to go with something water soluble!”

The thing that frightens me the most is taking the embroidery out of the hoop. I need to do that though – I know I need to so I’m familiar when it happens in the real world. I just need to take that first scary step with some scrap material and jump in!

gwen

Joan Nichols

October 16, 2012 at 10:06 pm (6 years ago)

I got it on e-bay this past week. It is a 12 piece package with the pieces of about 8 x 10. It is a Madeira stabilizer pack. It was about $12.00, $15.00 with shipping. I didn’t want to order a real large package in case there was something in there that I didn’t use much. I have only had my machine about 2 months and am learning more everyday.

Clem

July 5, 2012 at 4:35 pm (6 years ago)

I have done 1, 2, 3, 4, after all this time, I am not sure if I have the basting file… silly me, and I have done 6-10.. I am further along than I thought.. hummm… did not realize that… I am in the middle of doing a weave quilt and at the same time doing embroidered towels for my brothers golfing friends. I already did them once, but in our recent move they got lost… along with other stuff. That is ok though, that means I can fix the ones I was not too happy with. Love your blog…and the tips, and the projects… now just have to get the magazine…. sigh…

Pat

July 5, 2012 at 5:25 pm (6 years ago)

I’ve done all except 5 and 6. I’ve got to go back to my manuals and see if either of my machines has a basting file. There have been some recycled projects since I could not get the position right after having to rehoop and I’ve been hesitant to place embroidery on items that cannot be easily or financially replaced. When I master the basting “insurance” there will be a whole new world of stitching available!

Bonnie Gray

Barbara Rowlan Wong

July 5, 2012 at 10:19 pm (6 years ago)

Tonight I realized that I’ve been truthful with myself and I really am a novice at machine embroidery. I have never used a basting file and really have no idea if I have one on my machine. I do have a basting file on my computer but I’m hesitant to use it.
I’ve never embroidered lace, nor a tote back although I have thought about doing a tote a lot. I am, however, in the process of embroidering my first quilt. So much to learn and this blog and your tips help me and push me to try new things. Thank you!!

Sharlene

July 5, 2012 at 11:14 pm (6 years ago)

I’ve done 4, 5, 8 & 9. I’d like to try #6 & #3 (really like all the different words-reminds me of posters I’ve seen). Good ideas to be prepared for mistakes that invariably happen when embroidering for someone else!

eileenroche

Shirley

July 6, 2012 at 2:49 am (6 years ago)

I’ve done 1,2,3,5,6,7,8 and 9. Haven’t done a design on a tote bag yet, so thanks for the picture and instructions! I’m in the middle of a quilt project for my granddaughter whose birtday is coming up next month, to the tote will have to wait, LOL!

Ann

Chris

July 6, 2012 at 8:09 am (6 years ago)

So much to learn…so little time. Thanks for the idea of the bucket list. I’m going to try them all. Some I have tried already but in projects that ended up in the circular file! I just have got to grab my embroidery machine by the start button and let her go!!!

Donna

July 6, 2012 at 9:57 am (6 years ago)

I’ve had my machine for several years but tend to do the same things with it. Your bucket list idea is great. I have tried doing the same design on different fabrics to see how it changes and I learned a lot from that. I took a tote bag and stitched out a line of each of my built in stitches just so I would see them stitched out. I have done many lace embellishments and bookmarks as well as ornaments. I accidentally had to try and re hoop something once but did not do it very well.

Martine

July 6, 2012 at 10:10 am (6 years ago)

I am not a beginner, I have had an embroidery machine since 1993. But I must afmit I never rehooped in the middle of a design on purpose. Have done it when in a hurry I forgot to do the last colour.
Curious what you have in stock for more experienced embroiderers.

Carol Seavitt

Helene Hutt

July 6, 2012 at 1:05 pm (6 years ago)

I tried a different approach to returning a project to the hoop to finish the design. I put a new stablizer in the hoop and run the basting stitch. Then I cut the original design on the basting stitch and fit it into the hoop. kk2000 helps hold it in place.

Judy Wentz

Marilyn Weiss

July 6, 2012 at 3:33 pm (6 years ago)

Hi Eileen,

My bucket list contains doing cutwork, making a really beautiful table topper or runner with lace on the edges. I’d also like to do more than make a feeble attempt at continuous embroidery, and actually make something or embroider something “real” using this method. I’m sure there’s more, but this would keep me busy for a while.

Karen

Doris Van Peeren

July 6, 2012 at 6:37 pm (6 years ago)

Love the bucket list. Have to try doing the same design on different fabrics to see the difference. Someone “messed” up a design on an embroidery machine at our sewing club – I took it home and finished it on my machine – came out perfect. (What a surprise to me.) Making the Latte Quilt taught me how to get designs back in the hoop. A fun quilt to make. Love your magazine and your blogs.

Kathy

July 6, 2012 at 7:45 pm (6 years ago)

I have tried making lace and feel confident about lining up items in the hoop. I should experiment more about color choices. It is amazing when stiching out a design how the color doesn’t look right until the next color is stitched and even better when it is done.

Meredith Kaur

MarciaW

July 7, 2012 at 10:58 am (6 years ago)

I’m a rank Newbie. I’ve done 1, most of 3, 5, unsuccessfully tried 6, and 8 (this worked well though am alignment challenged). I like quilting in the hoop yet need to invest in a larger hoop, digital quilting motifs, AND practice practice practice. These are all good exercises. Thanks.

Colleen Bell

July 7, 2012 at 11:50 am (6 years ago)

Oh, I love this list!! The explanations of why to do them was very helpful. My daughter and I have been machine embroidering since December, but we have done it all. I can’t wait to see the next two lists. What a great idea!

Bonita

July 8, 2012 at 2:52 pm (6 years ago)

I have had my embroidery machines (2) for several years, but have not used either much for embroidery. Thank you for the bucket list as I intend to print it off and get started. I did not have good training when I bought these machines so my learning has been with the manual under my elbow. Thank you again for your magazine and your blog.

Karen Poole

July 9, 2012 at 11:57 pm (6 years ago)

I have actually done all of these! I can’t wait to see the other two lists. The main two things on my Embroidery bucket list is doing bobbin work embroidery and making my own lace edgings and insertion laces with my specialty stitches on and the my custom stitch feature on my embroidery machine!

le floch, anne

Dolly D.

July 10, 2012 at 7:59 am (6 years ago)

The one thing I need to practice is using the on-screen editing features of my Ellisimo. I am so used to doing all my editing in my Janome MBX software, before sending the designs to my machine, but I would like to become more comfortable using the machine features as well.

eileenroche

Berenice

July 11, 2012 at 1:47 am (6 years ago)

Hmmm… Not sure I am a novice have done all but realignment. I have had my “new” machine for only a few months after my first machine died. I have played with it and finally made my first lace a couple of weeks ago. I read too many horror stories, but my first piece was a cross and turned out beautifully! Was so excited I made 72 more FSL’s for my daughter to hand out for her service organization’s conventions in Florida & Tennessee. A few short sleep nights, but had them done before we left. I’ll be more willing to try more since new machine is about 10,000 times better than old one! A few more items on bucket list… a fancy collar for a formal for my mom!

Jacquie

July 11, 2012 at 9:59 am (6 years ago)

I like the idea of a bucket list. I have been embroidering for a while but still haven’t done all on this list. I have done 1,2,3,4,7 and 10 and will be doing 8 soon. I really want to try the lace and Ned to start using a basting stitch. Thanks for this idea.

Mizz Lizz

gwen

Susan J

July 13, 2012 at 11:05 am (6 years ago)

i have tied most of the bucket list items except, for some unknown reason, lace. So maybe that is next for me after I finish the 3 or 4 projects on my “to do” list. Quilting with the embroidery module and re-hooping are part of several of those projects.

gwendolena1

September 3, 2012 at 11:13 pm (6 years ago)

NUMBER ONE was a learning experience for me,made a lot of mistakes which taught me so much…..
I am having such fun now i actually got over the fear factor! The piece of quilted fabric is turning into a new baby quilt for my number 5 grandchild!
this site is so amazing as are you. the encouragement has been literally a Godsend.
What do you think of hoop it all? i have ordered ur snap and magna hoops, would love to come to one of your ‘Do’s’, stitching sisters, am in Niagara Ontario though! sniffle sniffle.

gwendolena1

gwendolena1

gwendolena1

September 5, 2012 at 4:57 am (6 years ago)

I have lots of Goals one of them is to get into remission with MS and PTSD(a life long companion for all who have it). The combination of the two, culminating in a definite diagnosis of MS 18 months ago, left me shattered. With stress being a family dynamic ( I have a beautiful family) for a few years I had not left my room for a very long time , going out terrified me.ALL I could think about was sewing and quilting (new) and machine embroidery; A Very Old Passion, sew where was I, I bought a futura 250 and there it sat until last week .
Goal numbers !1 and 2 Get up 2 sew.
done it done it done it done it , YAHOO.
my strength is coming back (painfully), as whilst I am on the blog list I listen to the Golden Oldies and dance on the chair , now standing up with my walker , now standing on one leg is possible!
Tomorrow is always another day packed with stuff….I can’t wait to get to…A Great Big Sloppy Kiss to all of you your blog has encouraged me .
Keep your fingers crossed
Gwen
Bucket list
number one turning out great on the bucket list, my daughter is having number 5 child , so a piece of pre qilted material (from her crib as a baby) is turning into my first piece of sewing . Had fun remembering all the things I had forgotten with the tee shirts…specially the strappy one ! hurp hum (clears throat guiltily)

Gwen,
I arrived at the office, dealing with the hassles of the morning rush hour– and saw your comment. You are an absolute inspiration! Your courage to move forward with living and pursuing the activities you are passionate about– WOW! Not everyone takes this approach and they are missing out! I do think your words, which are full of excitement and a sense of accomplishment will certainly inspire others to try.

gwen

September 10, 2012 at 4:21 pm (6 years ago)

I have been experimenting with number one. I must say that i have a lot to learn and will make a file to keep fabric swatches in ,listing all the possibilities ie; stabilizer and types of embroidery. Interspersing this with fun-stuff from number 2 and trying to find a basting file is great as i can use all the list to make something for my number 5 grandchild due in march……….I am convinced it is a girl????
gwenny

Jeri

September 12, 2012 at 1:00 pm (6 years ago)

I would love more details on #6. ” Use the stitch advance key to go back to the basting file. Travel over the outline, stitch by stitch”. Did you do the basting by selecting it on the machine or did you edit a machine design in a software package to add the basting layer? It appears to be two separate steps on my machine so I don’t think I can back up to that step. I’m a newbie but had done a lot of sewing earlier in life. In about a month I have managed to most everything you mentioned except #6. Still having a bit of problems with registration on dense designs so maybe this would help. So far the best solution I have tried is the spray adhesive to medium weight tear away or cut away stabilizer.

Joan Nichols

September 12, 2012 at 10:05 pm (6 years ago)

I have had my Brother PE770 about a month. I am a newbie and this is my first embroidery machine-(I have sewed for years). I would like to do this bucket list for newbies, but some of the things listed I haven’t got the slightest idea how to do them-like #4-#10. I am getting ready to put a design on a tote bag I’m making for my granddaughter, but putting it on Before I sew it up. My manual that came with the machine was just the operational manual & doesn’t really advise you on how to do alignment etc. Is there a good book out there that could help me in SIMPLE terms?? I am going to try to work on the bucket list & see how I do. Thanks for this site!!

Denise

gwen

October 16, 2012 at 5:28 pm (6 years ago)

my software doesn’t have a basting file, can i use another brand or make of editing software.i use a singer futura and i am happy with it except the hoop sizes i have the snap ans magna hoops and was going to get a hoop it all but can’t find any as they are having problems

Joan Nichols

October 16, 2012 at 8:51 pm (6 years ago)

I didn’t think I had a basting stitch either on my Brother PE770, but one day was looking around & when I went to the built in “frames” I was to pick the frame & then a stitch for the frame. Low & behold there was a basting stitch, so I picked the rectagular one for my 5 x 7 & the square one for my 4 x 4 hoop & they worked just fine. Learning new things all the time about my machine.

gwen

gwen

October 16, 2012 at 7:00 pm (6 years ago)

i have done some ,haven’t really finished any or cataloged them. SO I am combining a lot . i have cut the collar,cuffs and bottom ribbing off a very old ‘white’ sweatshirt and cut up the middle making an open v neckline.i am going to do everything to that old shirt like; borders, color play, stippling ,applique. i don’t want to see any white left at all.i’m going to edit it flip it duplicate it add a new collar and facing , i shall wear my catalog.it will be famous and the stars will all be jealous of my little bomber jacket.

Sharon

October 17, 2012 at 7:25 pm (6 years ago)

Thank you so much for pointing me to this Blog Eileen. It was very informative and a great help to a newbie like myself. I learned a lot with this bucket list and accomplished all 10 steps, though I must confess that I am still not liking the step 6. I just don’t feel confidant enough with myself for the rehooping in the middle of the design. I did ok with it, but not liking that one much, LOL..guess practice will make perfect, huh……

Since we are on the topic of pinging, this is yet another reason given by
Wordpress users of why they prefer this blogging platform.
Secondly it truly is entirely absolutely free to make use of.
You can add this free blogging platform to an existing
domain as the root address or as a sub domain and there are a lot of good reasons
to choose to go this route.

You can use the bulletin to schedule both the Alabama electrical contractor exam and the
Alabama journeyman electrician exam. When this is over,
time to install the plugs and cables of all equipment such as dishwashers and washing machines.
Let’s talk about the income earnings of a licensed electrician and why many
are turning to taking courses for this line of work.

Belinda Germain

May 9, 2014 at 12:13 pm (5 years ago)

1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10. Have not used basting files, never really saw the need, but your suggestion really sounds like a good idea, will try them. Your insurance analogy makes sense to me as I have been an insutance agent for over 30 years! Thank you!

Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like
to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your website.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me
to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your
theme? Exceptional work!

Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after going through a few
of the articles I realized it’s new to me.
Nonetheless, I’m definitely pleased I stumbled upon it and I’ll be
bookmarking it and checking back often!

Bottom line, this shop – located on NE 82nd – is one of the top
cigar shops in the entirety of the Greater-Portland Metro area.
If that was not enough they are free from nicotine and non-toxic,
there are no detrimental effects towards passive smokers and the vapour is completely odourless and does not fog up a room.
With the hookah it has always been a more sociable event to be enjoyed with
a number of people sitting in a circle and passing around the same pipe.

Proper breathing influences all bodoly processes including
brain activity aand digestion, and provides oxygen to muscles, organs,
and tissues; in addition it remofes toxins and wastes. Yoga is mlst effeftive when practiced at least three times a week, so you will need too keep this in mind when considering the
cost of classes. Start with basic postures, which are the
building blocks for more advanced poses.

Hey there are using WordPress for your site platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need
any html coding expertise to make your own blog?
Any help would be really appreciated!

hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly picked up anything new from
right here. I did however expertise several technical points using this website, since
I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I could get it to load
correctly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK?
Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google
and can damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for much more of your respective
interesting content. Make sure you update this again very
soon.

When you have a fire or a water loss, one thing is inevitable. You will need your carpets cleaned-up and restored. Oriental rugs are normally the most expensive and therefore require special attention. Proper rug handling methods from the beginning should save you issues in the end.Immediate extraction of the water from the rug/carpet should be the first thing you do! The longer a rug sits in water the higher the chances are that the dyes will migrate. Color correction maybe difficult and maybe impossible if your rugs/carpet is old. Immediate extraction will greatly reduce this risk.When extracting the water, move your wand WITH the grain. This will do two things. One, It is physically easier to do and puts less wear on your body and Two, It will prevent and minimize fiber distortion which on some rugs is nearly impossible to fix.Do not stack your rugs when moving from one area to another! The dyes cold run from one carpet to the other. In the end you could have just a pile of wrecked carpets. To avoid this problem do one of two things. One, Roll the rugs up and place them in plastic bags (Only if you are transporting and removing quickly from the plastic, long term storage will not allow the rugs to fully dry and may cause mold growth). Two (Best Option), Place a sheet or towel on the rugs and roll them up individually.A popular and probably most damaging way to dry thick carpet/rugs is to lay them out in the sun. The sun’s ray can fade your rug/carpet in a short period of time. I would even recommend not placing your rug in a place where the sun hits it for long periods of the day inside your home let alone outside. This will surely damage your wet carpet. The best method is to extract the water and put several fans pointed at it to get air moving and dry it out faster. If laying them in the sun is necessary, put the top side down and lay on a flat dry surface.Finally, do not drip dry your rugs. Dyes can go into your wool fibres if you do this, or run into the other dyes of your carpet. It will likely end up looking more tie-dyed than neatly designed when your finished. If there are no dyes, you still should not drip dry. The thickness of the carpet/rug will prevent it from fully drying at the lower end where the water is dripping off.In summary, remember these carpet restoration tips:1.Extract the Water Immediately2.Extract water WITH the grain3.Do not stack your wet rugs4.Never dry in direct sunlight5.Do not drip dryI hope this article helps your visitors! CarpetCleanerNorwich.co.uk

I waas recommended this wesite bby my cousin. I’m not certain whether or not this
put up is wriutten by mewans of him as no one else recognize such
certain approximately my trouble. You are amazing! Thank you!

Cross-submit picked pictures to your Facebook page with a hashtag that aligns with your marketing campaign or model graphic to aid folks
who do not know you happen to be on Instagram to locate you there.

Louise

April 11, 2016 at 12:43 pm (3 years ago)

I just experienced using an embroidery machine for the first time last week. I want to look into purchasing a beginners machine, new or old. Can you advise me on which machines would be your choice for a beginner? Or what to look for in a machine. Thank you!

What i do not understood is in fact how you’re now not actually much more neatly-appreciated than you might be right now. You are so intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably with regards to this subject, made me personally believe it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be interested until it’s one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. All the time care for it up!

[…] pretty new at machine embroidery and know that I am missing a whole bunch. Check out Eileen’s Bucket List for Beginners (she’s just posted one for Intermediate too. She has so many other blog entries, too. Best […]